JAIPUR (India CSR): In a major step towards advancing India’s sustainability agenda, NITI Aayog, under its State Support Mission, hosted a one-day National Workshop on Circular Economy in Jaipur, Rajasthan. The event, co-hosted by the Material Recycling Association of India (MRAI), focused on two critical sectors—End of Life Vehicles (ELV) and End of Life Tyres (ELT).
Bringing together key stakeholders—including policymakers, manufacturers, recyclers, and government officials—the workshop underscored the importance of circular economy principles in driving resource efficiency, waste reduction, and environmental sustainability.
Advancing India’s Vision for a Sustainable Future
The workshop was inaugurated by Naresh Pal Gangwar, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), who emphasized that a circular economy is vital for achieving India’s long-term development goals, particularly the ambitious Viksit Bharat@2047 vision.
“Transitioning to a circular economy is not just an environmental necessity but also an economic opportunity. By enhancing our recycling infrastructure and raising awareness, we can significantly reduce waste, lower carbon emissions, and create a sustainable industrial ecosystem,” he stated.
Addressing Challenges in Vehicle Scrapping and Recycling
The first session focused on End of Life Vehicles (ELV), highlighting key challenges and opportunities in India’s vehicle scrapping ecosystem. Discussions revolved around:
- Lack of consumer awareness about formal scrapping processes
- Operational and infrastructural bottlenecks in setting up recycling centers
- Integration of carbon credits into the scrapping ecosystem to incentivize responsible recycling
The session concluded with an interactive Q&A between industry experts and state representatives, exploring innovative solutions to improve policy frameworks and recycling mechanisms.
Sustainable Management of End-of-Life Tyres
The second session, chaired by Dr. P. Krishnaiah, Chairman, Andhra Pradesh Pollution Control Board, focused on the challenges and advancements in tyre recycling. Key topics included:
- Current policies governing tyre recycling in India
- Innovative recycling technologies and their impact
- Addressing down-cycling challenges to maximize the utility of recovered materials
The session wrapped up with insightful remarks from Smt. Sreekala, Chairperson, Kerala Pollution Control Board, stressing the need for policy innovation and industry-government collaboration.
Strengthening Industry-Government Partnerships
The workshop saw the participation of over 50 representatives from the Government of India and various state governments, along with more than 100 industry stakeholders from the manufacturing and recycling sectors.
The event concluded with a call for collective action, urging industry leaders, policymakers, and researchers to work together to address sectoral challenges through innovation, regulatory improvements, and technology-driven solutions.
A Step Towards a Greener India
By bringing together experts from across sectors, NITI Aayog reaffirmed its commitment to promoting circular economy practices as a key driver of sustainability, economic resilience, and environmental conservation.
This workshop is expected to pave the way for future collaborations, investments, and policy reforms that will help India transition towards a more resource-efficient and eco-friendly economy.
(India CSR)
